Update: 11 foreign nationals held in Erin after viral video

11 foreign nationals were held by police after a viral video circulated online showing persons arriving by pirogue on a beach in south Trinidad.

The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) said in a statement issued Tuesday that the 11 persons - seven men and four women, were caught at a hotel in Erin on Tuesday.

Following the circulation of the video, which appeared to be Los Iros Beach, officers of the Erin Police Station, led by Sgt. Corrie, carried out a search exercise and detained group which consisted of men between ages 31-55 years and women from 18-49 years of age.

The men included five Venezuelans, one Guyanese and one Syrian, while the women consisted of three Venezuelans and one Syrian.

Police said the female hotel manager was also detained for questioning, and the foreign nationals were handed over to the Immigration Division.

Original story:

Citizens have expressed concern after a viral video circulating online showed visitors arriving at a Trinidad beach via pirogue and running into the island without going through the relevant immigration checks.

The video, which was circulated via social media earlier this week, is thought to be Los Iros beach, along the island's southern coast.

Persons are seen wading ashore after being dropped off via pirogue. The individuals are seen with luggage and bags of items, running hastily away once reaching the beach.

Los Iros beach is approximately 12 miles north of Venezuela.

Minister of National Security, Stuart Young, said to LoopTT that he is aware of the video and the issue of border protection and will be stepping up action through the appropriate security agencies.

"I have seen the video and raised the content, as well as the implications, with the material arms of National Security."

"As Minister of National Security I have asked that more resources and attention be dedicated to border protection. The video is a disturbing example of what is taking place."

"I am taking a number of initiatives to Cabinet which are directed at tackling this situation of our borders being too porous. It is an area of concern which is being addressed," he said.

The exodus of Venezuelan citizens has been identified by the United Nations as the biggest crisis in the Western hemisphere.